Now Commenting On:

Elbert enters final phase of rehab

LOS ANGELES -- After three elbow operations and 22 months since his last Major League appearance, Scott Elbert believes he'll be ready to help the Dodgers around the All-Star break.

The left-handed reliever is finally in a rehab without setbacks and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday at Dodger Stadium, then go to Triple-A Albuquerque to pitch in back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday, the final serious test of the Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

Elbert said his velocity is 88-91 mph ("free and easy") and his slider has "more depth" than it did in 2012.

"I'm not throwing across my body as much," he said. "I've had all the time in the world to work on that. I'm able to command both sides of the plate easier. I'm just happy to be back on the mound."

Manager Don Mattingly said Elbert will probably remain on his rehab assignment past Wednesday as he continues to rebuild arm strength.

"I'm happy with Scotty's progress," Mattingly said. "We've talked about it a number of times -- it's been awhile now where everything's been pretty much positive. There hasn't been any negatives. He hasn't skipped a 'pen. He's been moving along."

Ken Gurnickis a reporter for MLB.com.Michael Lananna is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.